Hop plant named &#34;Super Galena&#34;

ABSTRACT

A novel variety of hop,  Humulus lupulus  L., named “Super Galena” is disclosed. “Super Galena” has relatively high contents of bitter acids, beta-acids, total oil, and humulene, and a moderate, pleasant aroma. “Super Galena” is comparable to Galena in its aroma and bitterness profile but offers a substantially higher yield and complete resistance to hop powdery mildew strains found in Washington, United States. The new variety was discovered among the progeny of a sexual cross made in 1998 in Yakima, Wash., United States and has been asexually reproduced and assessed in field plots in Prosser, Wash., United States.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The flowers (cones) of the female hop plant, Humulus lupulus L, are used in the making of beverages, especially beer, as a flavoring and processing component. Hops contribute towards the bitterness and aroma in beer as well as foam quality and flavor and taste stability.

Hop plants, hops cones, male hop flowers, hop plant parts, hop tissue cultures and hop extracts also have bioactive properties; including anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-osteoporosis, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, soporific, anti-androgenic, and pro-estrogenic activities, among others; which may be used in herbal remedies, in antimicrobial preparations for food, fodder, food fermentation, food process, animal husbandry; or in non-food uses, such as composting, biofuel processing, fermentation process, water treatment, animal bedding and phytoremediation; and uses in cosmetics, in nutriceutical and in pharmaceutical applications and in research thereof. Examples activities and non-beverage uses are included herein by references: J Hazard Mater. April 26; 91 (1-3): 95-112; Mol Cancer Ther. September; 1 (11): 959-69; Phytochemistry. May; 65 (10): 1317-30; U.S. Pat. No 6,423,317 (2002); U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,775 (2003).

Agricultural end-product users, growers, handlers and processors of hops, of hop plants, of hop tissues and of hop products use hops and are affected by the agronomic, developmental, morphological, chemical and physical properties that vary among unique and distinct asexually reproduced varieties. This invention relates to an asexually-produced hop variety, named Super Galena, invented in a planned and systematically executed breeding program.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The novel hop variety “Super Galena”, the invention described herein, is a female progeny of a controlled, sexual cross-pollination of a single male hop plant and a single female hop plant performed in 1998 by Roger Jeske, a self employed agronomist, at his personal residence located at 6602 Alpine Way, Yakima, Wash. During 1999 seeds collected from the above cross-pollination were germinated at the assignee: S. S. Steiner Inc. greenhouse Prosser, Wash. These seedlings were planted in a field nursery and screened for gender, vigor, cone type, and disease resistance with the best genotypes being advanced to a single hill hop nursery during the spring of 2000. Mr. Jeske discovered the “Super Galena” variety during the summer of 2000 among the numerous hop genotypes growing at the S. S. Steiner, Inc.'s single hill hop nursery. These hop genotypes growing in the single hill hop nursery were grown in a 7′×7′ spacing on twine attached to an 18′ trellis system as are most commercially grown hops.

Chemical analysis and field observations of the hop plant Super Galena in 2000, demonstrated unusually high percentage of beta-acids compared to alpha-acids, lack of powdery mildew in the leaves and cones, and an exceptional cone set. Cones were compact, conical, and easy to pick with no shatter. Vigor was excellent and yield potential appeared to be exceptional, although yield data was not taken in 2000.

In 2001, “Super Galena” was asexually propagated at the S. S. Steiner, Inc. greenhouses. Rhizomes from the original single hill plant of “Super Galena” were dug, divided and planted into multiple greenhouse grown containers. Softwood cuttings were periodically taken from these original containers until approximately 4,000 softwood-cutting plants were made. These plants constituted the first asexual reproduction of the “Super Galena” variety and represent the second generation. They were planted and grown in two different field locations with no powdery mildew observed and excellent production of beta-acids and alpha-acids at both locations during 2001. These two larger scale trials consisting of a multi-hill planting (7 plants) and a two-acre planting (1778 plants). Both were located at Golden Gate Roza Hop Ranches, Prosser, Wash. These trials were subjected to standard agronomic, cultural and management practices for the purpose of determining harvest ability, yield, chemical characteristic, and process ability.

During 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 second-generation plants in the two trials at Golden Gate Roza Hop Ranches were sampled for chemical analysis and harvested for yield evaluations. Results from the test plots provided additional information supporting the disease resistance, yield potential, beta-acids and alpha-acids projections made from the original “Super Galena” plant (first generation) selected in 2000. Thus confirmed the unusually high beta-acids and alpha-acids percentages (total combined alpha and beta>23%), the low alpha to beta ratio of 1.6, and the exceptional yield of the new variety. The 2002-2005 commercially harvested two-acre test plots of second-generation plants grown at Prosser, Wash. produced 2600-3000 lbs./acre annually averaging of 2750 lbs./acre over the four years. The commercially harvested hop cones were dried at Golden Gate Roza Hop Ranch kilns to approximately 10% moisture, than were pressed into 200 lb. bales. Bale samples from the 2002-2005 second generation “Super Galena” hops grown in the Prosser location showed an average alpha-acids percentage of 14.5 and beta-acids percentage of 8.8% (ASBC spectrophotometric method), both slightly higher than the commercial public variety Galena (grandmother of “Super Galena”). Storage stability of second-generation hop cones compared favorably to the original “Super Galena” plant (first generation) selected in 2000. The average loss of alpha-acids of the harvested hop cones stored at room temperature (22° C.) for six months was 22%, which is very comparable to that of Galena. Process ability into pellets and extract was satisfactory and comparable to Galena.

In some hop varieties the seasonal time of vine elongation, which is determined by agronomic cultural practice, affects yield. In 2003, second generation plants in replicated plots within the two-acre trial at Golden Gate Hop Ranches were manually attached onto the trellis (training) on three different dates to effect early, mid and late training. All replications were harvested at the WSU, Prosser, Wash. research facility. Vigor, growth habit, and yield were very similar for all treatments and chemical analysis of the hop cones showed alpha-acids and beta-acids production was nearly the same for all treatments. This is in contrast to Galena that when trained early will tend to flower early resulting in reduced overall growth and significantly lower yield.

In 2003, the second asexual reproduction of the “Super Galena” variety took place. The second-generation rootstock from the two acres was dug, divided and planted into a larger acreage test plot near Prosser, Wash. These third generation plants were grown by Golden Gate Roza Hop Ranch, utilizing standard agricultural practices that are common for hop production, except no powdery mildew fungicides application were made.

During 2003, 2004, and 2005 third generation plants in large trials at Golden Gate Roza Hop Ranches were sampled for chemical analysis and harvested for yield evaluations. Results from this third generation large-scale test plot provided additional information supporting the powdery mildew resistance, exceptional yield, and high beta-acids and alpha-acids percentages.

Based on agronomic and chemical evaluations over a number of growing seasons both secondary and tertiary clones (second and third generations) of “Super Galena” exhibited genetic stability with respect to its novel characteristics of complete powdery mildew resistance, high yield (>2500 lb./ac), and high combined beta-acids and alpha-acids percentages (>23%). This is in contrast to the mother “98001” and grandmother “Galena”, both of which are susceptible to powdery mildew, have an average yield (1800-2200 lbs./ac), and have combined beta-acids and alpha-acids percentages of approximately 21 %.

All observations, evaluations and testing of the “Super Galena” variety's agronomic, physical, morphological, and chemical properties were carried out by or directed by the inventors. Co-operators were Golden Gate Hop Ranches and S. S. Steiner Inc.

The variety “Super Galena” is usually ready to pick by the 15th to the 25th of September. The compact and ovoid shape cones of this variety are mid sized and plentiful resulting in easy mechanical picking and cleaning. Leaves do not develop in the cones, the cones detach easily from stems, and the cones do not shatter during commercial harvesting and drying.

In order to demonstrate genetic and phenotypic distinctiveness to closely related varieties, “Super Galena” is compared herein above to its mother and to agronomically important varieties below. Galena is in the pedigree of “Super Galena” and therefore similarities would be expected. The primary differences between the new “Super Galena” variety and Galena is the complete resistant of “Super Galena” to the powdery mildew strains found in the Yakima valley and a >30% yield advantage of “Super Galena” verses Galena. Similarities include a high percentage of beta acids as compared to alpha acids; similar cone shape and weight of 190-230 mg. at maturity, mature main vine of green coloration with no distinct stripe, and both varieties typically have five lobed dark green main vine leaves that are moderately serrated. Chemical similarities show that both have an alpha/beta ratio of 1.6, a humulene/caryophyllene ratio of 2.2, a CoH of 36-37%, and storage stability of 20-22% transformation of alpha acids after 6 months @ 22° C.

The detailed botanical description and drawings herein below allow distinction of the variety from related varieties. For illustration, comparisons of select distinguishing traits to further selected commercial varieties are set forth in Table 1. TABLE 1 Super Galena Galena Nugget Zeus Alpha acids 13-16   10-13.5 11-14   12-16.5 % w/w Beta acids  8.0-10.0 7.0-9.0 4.0-6.0 4.0-6.0 % w/w CoH % w/w 35-40 35-40 24-30 27-35 of alpha acids Total Oil 1.5-2.5 0.9-1.2 1.5-3.0 1.0-2.0 ml/100 g Humulene % 19-24 10-15 12-22 10-25 Caryophyl-  6-14 3.0-5.0  7-10 5.0-15  lene % Powdery Resistant Susceptible Resistant Susceptible Mildew Disease Cone Yield 2500-2800 1600-2220 1700-2200 2400-3000 lbs/acre

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs illustrates the cones, leaves and growth habit of the new “Super Galena” variety:

FIG. 1 depicts a close up of whole cones and a mature main vine leaf.

FIG. 2 depicts the appearance of the plants and cones as they are growing in the field on high trellis (18′) approaching harvest time.

GENERAL BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

This description provides information on agronomic, morphological, chemical and processing characteristics of the new variety that are used in distinction and identification of a new hop variety and its parts and products by practitioners of the industries that use hops as described herein above.

General information on the botanical characteristics and cultural aspects of hops plants as they relate to agronomics, breeding and food use are particularly well discussed in the prior art, especially, U.S. Plant Pat. Nos. 10,956 and 13,132 and the literature; “Steiner's Guide to American Hops Book III”, 1986; “Hops” Published by Chapman and Hall, 1991. Detailed botanical information below of the present variety is directly comparable to the prior art, as contained by reference herein.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The information for this botanical description was either collected or verified during the growing seasons of 2000 through 2005. Some botanical characteristics, and to a lesser degree the analytical chemical characteristics are somewhat dependent on cultural practices and climatic conditions and can vary with location and season:

-   1. Parentage: A hop plant originating from a controlled     cross-pollination between proprietary non-patented female hop plant     referred to as “98001” with a non-patented male hop plant USDA     19058m. -   2. Locality where grown and observed: North of Prosser, Wash. -   3. Agronomic factors: Dates of first and last harvest are     approximately September 15 and September 25. Shoots of “Super     Galena” emerge from winter dormancy approximately 1 week later than     the commercial variety Zeus and 1 week earlier than the commercial     variety Galena. Emergence is typically by April 1^(st), Initial stem     or shoot growth rate is average when compared to Zeus, but faster     when compared to Galena and slower when compared to Nugget. After     spring pruning, growth continues to be average when compared to     other commercial varieties. The main vine stems are green and     slightly hexagonal in cross-section shape. Inflorescence of “Super     Galena” begins to appear in early July and mature during the third     week of September. Cone shape is fairly uniform in the “Super     Galena” variety. The hop cones of “Super Galena” are well adapted to     mechanical harvest because of their compactness and ovoid shape. The     cones do not shatter during harvest. -   4. Plant characteristics:     -   -   Plant.—green vigorous, climbing vine.         -   Plant shape.—clavate.         -   Bine stripe.—absent.         -   Bine inter-node length (@ 6′ high).—24 cm.         -   Bine diameter (@ 6′ high).—1 cm.         -   Stipule direction.—up.         -   Petiole length.—8 cm.         -   Petiole shape.—slightly channeled (flat upper surface).         -   Leaf arrangement.—opposite.         -   Leaf shape.—cordate — palmate.         -   Mature leaf width.—13-15 cm.         -   Number of leaf lobes.—three-five.         -   Leaf margin.—lightly serrate to dentate.         -   Lateral length.—1-1.2 m.         -   Lateral inter-node length.—10-15 cm. -   5. Cone characteristics:     -   -   Bract tips shape.—acute to cuspidate.         -   Bract tip position.—mostly appressed, some bracts are             slightly everted at full maturity.         -   Bracteole shape.—lanceolate.         -   Compactness.—tight to semi-dense.         -   Shape.—ovoid to cylindrical.         -   Cone length.—4 cm.         -   Cone tip shape.—pointed.         -   Cone weight.—190-230 mg.         -   Strig.—compact, with modal diameter.         -   Yield per acre.—2500-2800 pounds average.         -   Maturity.—mid to late. -   6. Analytical data of cones:     -   -   % Alpha-acids (bale).—13.0-16.0% (ASBC Spectrophotometric             method).         -   % Beta-acids (bale).—8.0-10.0% (ASBC Spectrophotometric             method).         -   Alpha/beta ratio.—1.5-1.7.         -   Cohumulone (% of alpha-acids).—34-40%.         -   Storage characteristics.—20-22% transformation of alpha             acids after 6 months at 22° C.         -   Total oils (mls/100 g).—1.5-2.5.         -   Humulene (% of total oils).—19-24%.         -   Caryophyllene (% of total oils).—6-14%.         -   Humulene/caryophyllene ratio.—2.3.         -   Farnesene (% of total oils).—<1.0%.         -   Myrcene (% of total oils).—45-60%. -   7. Disease resistance: The variety “Super Galena” is tolerant to hop     downy mildew fungus and resistant to the strains of powdery mildew     fungus found in the Yakima valley as of 2005, but since not all     strains are present no future powdery mildew resistance can be     assured. “Super Galena” is tolerant to strains of Verticillium wilt     and the virus diseases found in the USA grown areas. Tolerance to     the major soil borne pests that affect hops is not known at this     time but “Super Galena” appears to be susceptible to Phytophthora     root rot. -   8. Regional adaptation: The “Super Galena” variety is well adapted     to the drier growing regions of Washington State, specifically the     Yakima Valley. “Super Galena” has not been tested in other growing     locations. -   9. Ploidy: Hop variety “Super Galena” is diploid. The mother is     diploid and the father is diploid. -   10. Life expectancy: Indefinite similar to other hop varieties. -   11. Use: Flavoring and conditioning of beverages and foods and use     as vegetable. Constituent of herbal remedies, nutraceuticals,     pharmaceuticals, drugs, ointments, antiseptic washes and cosmetics     for humans and animals. Constituent of fodder, bedding, compost,     agricultural treatments, phytoremediation treatments, water and soil     treatments, conditioning of fermentation and other industrial     processes. Used in breeding novel hop varieties. -   12. Propagation status: “Super Galena” rootstock and plant     propagation material exists. Asexual plant propagation has been     demonstrated. -   13. Reproductive status: “Super Galena” is fertile and produces     seeds upon pollination with male hop plants.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This new hop variety “Super Galena” can be distinguished from all other USA commercial varieties by its resistance to powdery mildew in combination with a high percentage of alpha and beta acids and excellent yield. 

1. A new variety of hop plant uniquely characterized by its resistance to hop powdery mildew strains currently found in Washington hop fields, exceptional yield, and a high percentage of beta acids as compared to alpha acids with combined alpha acids and beta acids exceeding 23%. 